Friday, April 26, 2013

Have you ever heard the expression “You are only as
successful as the person you talk to for no reason”? That profound statement
has some truth to it. For a small business, sometimes the least obvious
interactions can provide a huge partnership, deal, or sale. You never know
where the next big opportunity is going to come from. So what does this
expression mean and how you can keep it in mind for future interactions?

Start with the people you interact with regularly for short
periods of time: the barista at Starbucks who makes your latte, the server at
your favorite restaurant, the cashier at the grocery store, etc. Of course,
most of the time, you will end up with only what you expected-- your purchase--but
if you keep an open mind and give them the attention and respect they deserve,
you might find yourself talking business with them or at least building a
positive reputation as a professional. Then there are those people you know but
not well: church members, sports team coaches, school officials, parents of
your child’s friends. These people may be even more receptive to hearing about
how your business is going and any opportunities for them to get involved if
they come up. The newest employee, someone who works outside of your
department, or a contractor that comes in on a short term basis are all people
you may talk to for “no reason”, but they can have valuable insights and
opinions for you that you should consider.

Your success is up to you, but people can have an impact on
it. What some people do affects what you do, so look at their success and
appreciate it. Do not take their service to you and their interactions with you
for granted. Even if no business comes from these encounters, at the very
least, you will be setting an example to aspire to or brighten their day. Read
that phrase at the beginning again and make it happen!